Why Should We Idly Waste Our Prime

"Why Should We Idly Waste Our Prime" is an Scots poem written by Robert Burns.

Lyrics

Why should we idly waste our prime

Repeating our oppressions?

Come rouse to arms! 'Tis now the time

To punish past transgressions.

'Tis said that Kings can do no wrong —

Their murderous deeds deny it,

And, since from us their power is sprung,

We have a right to try it.

Now each true patriot's song shall be: —

'Welcome Death or Libertie!'

Proud Priests and Bishops we'll translate

And canonize as Martyrs;

The guillotine on Peers shall wait;

And Knights shall hang in garters.

Those Despots long have trode us down,

And Judges are their engines:

Such wretched minions of a Crown

Demand the people's vengeance!

To-day 'tis theirs. To-morrow we

Shall don the Cap of Libertie!

The Golden Age we'll then revive:

Each man will be a brother;

In harmony we all shall live,

And share the earth together;

In Virtue train'd, enlighten'd Youth

Will love each fellow-creature;

And future years shall prove the truth

That Man is good by nature:

Then let us toast with three times three

The reign of Peace and Libertie!